How ITI Patan strives to empower students through industry-relevant technical training

ITI Patan is one of Gujarat’s most prestigious industrial training institutions, providing world-class technical education and training. It has been at the forefront of essential technical training in all trades, both traditional and non-traditional. The institution’s main goal is to empower students by providing high-quality technical education and training.

In our continuous endeavour to bring forth the aspirational stories of ITIs across India, we had the chance to converse with Ms. Mayuri Kantibhai Prajapati, Principal, Government ITI Patan to know more about the initiatives and the challenges they faced during the pandemic.  

This interview is facilitated by Quest Alliance.

Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

Q. Could you tell us about the popular courses and placement in your ITI?

A: ITI, Patan was established in 1992. Approximately 13 courses are running in our ITI among which Welder, Fitter, Electrician and Wireman are some of the popular courses. As per the current demand, we are implementing service sector courses like health and sanitary inspector, cosmetology, solar PV installer under PMKVY. 

Students are placed in reputed government and private industries like Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO), Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd. (UGVCL) after the completion of their course.

Q. Are there any particular trades that are popular among girls at ITI Patan? 

A: Girls are more interested in the cosmetology trade as most of them aspire to become beauticians. Other courses are popular among boys. And our students are inclined towards getting apprenticeship and placement in electrical and wiremen trades. We have also signed an MoU with a professional salon that comes to our ITI to give theoretical and practical knowledge to the students once a month. Apart from this, we also conduct live sessions on Facebook and Instagram.  

Q. What are some of the achievements and distinctions awarded to your ITI?

A: ITI, Patan is graded third across the state. Based on the grading, we are nominated for the World Bank-funded project, STRIVE (Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement). Under STRIVE, we have an institution management committee through which we arrange a meeting once a month to discuss training parameters and activities of students in developing the ITI. 

Q. Tell us about the STRIVE project funded by the World Bank and the strength of students in your ITI?

A: STRIVE project has been awarded to 40 ITIs in Gujarat of which 30 are government and 10 are self-financed. As per the STRIVE project, we have key performance indicators (KPIs) that we have to achieve one of which is the pass-out ratio. So, we focus on improving the pass-out ratio of students.

In this year, the strength of the graduates is 912 and if the strength of long-term and short-term courses are combined, it will be 1400. By next year, the aim is to increase the strength to 10%. The next vision is to increase female enrolment in our ITI considering the safety measures and comfort zone. 

Q. Could you tell us more about the benefits of collaborating with the Pidilite industry?

A: Directorate of ITI, Patan has signed an MoU with the Pidilite industry. Regular meetings are conducted with the team of seven in which the chairman of Pidilite and myself are involved. STRIVE project is a fund-based project which will be delivered when the targets are achieved. 

Q. How are you ensuring continuous learning in the present (Post-COVID-19) scenario through e-learning and blended learning? What are some of the challenges and how you are overcoming them?

A: As Patan is located in a rural area, it has become difficult for the students to adapt to the technology. However, we leveraged the Microsoft team to connect with students and give them theoretical knowledge. During the pandemic, students faced difficulty due to various reasons such as lack of smartphones and connectivity. Now, however, students are ready to learn online. At present, online and offline training is being run in our ITI. 

Q. How is the partnership with Quest Alliance helping ITI Patan?

A: Quest Alliance is supportive in managing a lot of activities in our ITI from arranging career-oriented programmes to conducting workshops. They reach students individually and guide them in their careers.

Q. What would be your message to students who would want to take up technical training as a career path?

A: There are a lot of opportunities after the tenth and twelfth standards for students. Vocational training students can be employed within a short time compared to engineering or degree graduates as the courses help them acquire all the industry-relevant skills.  Skilling makes life easier.

Also read: How ITI Belagavi is preparing women for future workplace through technical training https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/how-iti-belagavi-is-preparing-women-for-future-workplace-through-technical-training/

Q. Do you wish to share anything else with our audience?

A: We have signed MoUs with 40 plus industries in and out of the district in which students go once in 15 days for industry visits and training. After passing out of ITI, they go to industry and work in the Dual System of Training (DST). Students get to learn and get hands-on experience in the industry environment during the ITI learning.